Hot Wheels down cold: Mattel’s 2026 Monster Truck show continues to thrill UK

People rarely use the words “ear splitting” and “bone shaking” in a positive way. One such time, however, is when the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live show pulls into town!

The spectacular 2026 tour seemed to arrive in the UK with a little less fanfare than usual. But with two venues, seven shows and countless thrills already under its fan belt, what can people expect to see when the tour continues in the spring?

For the uninitiated, the show name – Glow-N-Fire – hides as much as it teases… What’s glowing? What’s on fire?! Well, the spoiler-free answer to the former is “giant toy trucks…” As always, these trucks are stunning, even if you have neither phil nor phobe for souped-up cars and revved-up engines. Indeed, the scale, colour and sound of the show all hit you like – well, a truck. This year, the lineup includes fan favourites such as Bone Shaker, Mega Wrex and Tiger Shark… These are joined by a new vehicle, the punningly named Rhinomite.

Rhinomite – a portmanteau of rhinoceros and dynamite – has existed as a toy since 2021. Executed in remote control as well as die-cast collectibles, upscaling Rhinomite for the 2026 show is a masterstroke. The character has a playful energy that perfectly compliments the otherwise snarling design… Seeing this horned hot rod join the fray is a joy.

In terms of the show content, it’s business as unusual. After their ever-zealous introductions, the monstrous monster trucks truck in to do their astounding stuff in various rounds… Off they go, performing their doughnuts and wheelies and jumps – oh my! Indeed, the vehicles seem to clamber, thrill and defy gravity in every way imaginable as the arena crackles with energy and – challengingly for some – ambient noise.

The 2026 Monster Truck show has already held audiences in its thrall at arenas in Manchester and London. However, you can still see and hear what all the fuss is about in Leeds on March 28-29th, Liverpool on April 4-5th and Birmingham on April 11-12th.